Alternate A26 · Southwest
Lake Somerset
Somerset County · Southwest region · 253 acres
Quiet Water Checked Oct 2026
- Size
- 253 acres as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's lake page
- Boat traffic
- Quiet water: paddle craft and electric-motor boats only. As listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's lake page, checked Oct 2026.
- Permit
- PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here. Paddling rules →
- Dam
- This lake is held back by a dam. Stay well away from the dam, spillway and outlet structures.
Where to put in
Lake Somerset (north) access area
Ramp · ramp
40.03694, -79.06236 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here.
Lake Somerset (south) access area
Ramp · paved ramp, pier, dock
40.02673, -79.06595 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here.
Access notices
PFBC's PA Lakes map labels Somerset Lake 'DRAWDOWN STATUS' (checked 4 Oct 2026). Check that page for the water level before you go.
Access notice from PFBC's PA Lakes map, published Oct 4, 2026.
About Lake Somerset
Lake Somerset is alternate A26 for the LakePA 100: a 253-acre reservoir in Somerset County, in our Southwest region. Some sources list it as Somerset Lake. The acreage comes from the Fish and Boat Commission's page for the lake. It is Quiet Water: paddle craft and electric-motor boats only. That rule is as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's page for the lake. We list two put-ins, including Lake Somerset (north) access area and Lake Somerset (south) access area. Lake Somerset (north) access area has a launch ramp and parking listed as 10 spaces or more. At Fish and Boat Commission and state park launches your boat needs a Pennsylvania registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit. A dam holds the water back, so keep well away from the dam, the spillway and any outlet structures. It is an alternate this season because of a dated closure or drawdown notice, so read the notice box before you plan a trip. It counts toward the Southwest region milestone. In a straight line, it is about 21 miles from Johnstown to the nearest put-in. Check the operator's notices, the weather and posted signs before you launch.
Rules for paddlers
Pennsylvania's paddler rules (permits, life jackets, whistle and light) are on one dated page. Paddling rules →
Safety
Paddling has real risks. Wear your life jacket. Pennsylvania requires it to be worn on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Nov 1 through Apr 30, and by children 12 and under all year. Check the weather, posted signs and the operator's notices before you launch. Stay well away from dams, spillways and outlet structures. You paddle at your own risk.
Nearby on the list
Straight-line distance between the lakes, not driving distance.
Questions about Lake Somerset
Where do I put in at Lake Somerset?
Lake Somerset has two listed put-ins: Lake Somerset (north) access area, Lake Somerset (south) access area. Lake Somerset (north) access area is at 40.03694, -79.06236 with ramp; parking: 10 spaces or more.
Are motorboats allowed on Lake Somerset?
Quiet water: paddle craft and electric-motor boats only. As listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's lake page, checked Oct 2026.
Do I need a launch permit at Lake Somerset?
Yes, at the Fish and Boat Commission launch: a Pennsylvania boat registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit is required.
Source: PFBC, “Registration vs. Launch Permit”, checked 4 Oct 2026.
How big is Lake Somerset?
253 acres, as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's lake page.
Is there a notice for Lake Somerset?
PFBC's PA Lakes map labels Somerset Lake 'DRAWDOWN STATUS' (checked 4 Oct 2026). Check that page for the water level before you go. Source: PFBC's PA Lakes map, published Oct 4, 2026.
Sources
- PFBC lake page — checked Oct 4, 2026
- Fish and Boat Commission access map — checked Oct 4, 2026
- Access notice source — checked Oct 4, 2026
- USGS National Hydrography Dataset — checked Oct 4, 2026
Every fact on this page comes from these public sources. Posted signs and official notices always control.
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